She is globally recognised as a face of Chanel, epitomising timeless French elegance. However, Lily-Rose Depp has undergone a startling transformation, trading haute couture for ragged medieval costume on the set of her new film.
From Fashion Icon to Medieval Peasant
Exclusive photographs from the set of Werwulf reveal a side of the actress that fashionistas would scarcely recognise. The 26-year-old daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis was pictured wearing a drab, shapeless brown smock and a burgundy headscarf. For the role, she also appeared to have a slight facial defect, marking a dramatic departure from her usual red-carpet glamour.
The film is a medieval horror set in 13th-century England, where a remote village is terrorised by a mysterious creature. Producers constructed an entire village from scratch in Bourne Wood, near Farnham in Surrey. The elaborate set features a series of thatched properties clustered by a forest, complete with a church and a graveyard filled with simple wooden crosses.
Behind the Scenes of a Gothic Tale
Depp was filmed performing scenes within this mud-filled cemetery and in others where she was seen holding a baby wrapped in swaddling cloth. The film is being directed by Robert Eggers, who previously directed Lily-Rose in the Oscar-nominated Nosferatu.
Eggers has reunited several collaborators from that project for Werwulf. Veteran actor Willem Dafoe was spotted on set in medieval costume, riding a horse. The cast also includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his role in 28 Years Later. Further filming for the project is taking place on Dartmoor, where more medieval-style structures have been erected.
A Life in Contrast
The stark contrast between her role and her real life could not be more pronounced. A long-time ambassador for Chanel, Lily-Rose was raised in the South of France with her brother Jack. Her father, Johnny Depp, has described this period as 'the happiest time' of his life.
Interestingly, the Pirates of the Caribbean star had advised his daughter against pursuing acting, warning her of the downsides of fame. Despite this, she has forged a successful career. Her personal life has also drawn attention; after a two-year relationship with actor Timothée Chalamet, she has been dating rapper 070 Shake (Danielle Balbuena) since early 2023.
With Werwulf, Lily-Rose Depp continues to demonstrate her commitment to challenging and transformative roles, firmly establishing herself as a serious actress beyond the world of high fashion.
